Not everyone in Thailand gets Constitution Day as a holiday, but there were enough who did to make Pattaya a busy place for last week’s three-day weekend.
This year Dec. 10, the day Thailand commemorates the transition to a constitutional monarchy, which passed in 1932, fell on Saturday, so the legal holiday was observed on Monday.
Traffic – not politics – was on the minds of tourists visiting Pattaya Dec. 10-12, with Sukhumvit Road jammed and connecting thoroughfares suffering follow-on congestions.
Once they arrived, tourists packed Pattaya, Jomtien and Koh Larn beaches. Vendor Maiporn Banjongsut said she loves every long weekend she can get, as high season is not as good as it once was.
Away from the sand, restaurants hummed along, but shops selling toys, shorts, flip-flops and other items did just so-so. Historical and cultural attractions also did well, as many tourists used the occasion to make merit for HM the late King.
This holiday commemorates Thailand’s adoption of a constitutional monarchy in 1932. At the start of the 1930s, Siam was suffering economically from the effects of the Great Depression. Intellectuals and senior military personnel formed a group called the People’s Party and presented the King with the option to stay on the throne but have his power reduced, allowing the people to govern.
Parades and fireworks are common festivities on Constitution Day and images of Thai kings are displayed across the country. But this year the activities are muted due to the passing of King Rama IX.
